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Be informed, cautious about Zika virus

I spoke to the Chillicothe Lions Club a few nights ago, telling them about the Ross County Health District and the services we offer. I explained the programs we are mandated by the state to carry out; about the grant programs we have; and a few other public health facts.

Eventually a question was asked about the Zika virus and whether it would be a problem here this summer.

I’m afraid my answer may have been too nonchalant.

Basically what I said when asked about Zika was that yes, we’d probably have a few infections, but that the only way it would get to Ross County was if humans brought it here.

And that’s true: Mosquitoes, which carry and transmit the virus, never travel far from the spot where they’re hatched. So infected mosquitoes won’t fly here from places hundreds or even thousands of miles south of us. A human being will bring the virus here and infect mosquitoes that bite him or her, then those mosquitoes will spread Zika to others.

It’d be irresponsible of me to try and predict how serious (or insignificant) the Zika problem might be. What I can do is repeat the facts. Zika can be dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies, so we absolutely should not be nonchalant.

As one of the Lions pointed out, the Olympic Games are in Brazil this summer, so there will be lots of people travelling there, being exposed, then coming back to the U.S.

So let me remind you that the best way to not be exposed to a mosquito-borne illness is to not be bitten. Although we’re still probably a couple of months away from “mosquito season” in Ross County, it’s never too early for a few tips on avoiding mosquito bites, and the illnesses that the flying pests can spread.

When possible and practical, wear long sleeves and long pants when you’re outside.

Traditionally, mosquito species in this area were most active at dusk and dawn, but the mosquitoes that spread Zika (and dengue fever and chikungunya) prefer to feed during the daytime. The Aedes Albopictus, or Asian tiger mosquito, is known to carry those viruses and that species does now reside in southern Ohio.

Use an FDA approved mosquito repellent and follow directions when applying it.

Check doors and windows to be sure screens are secure and not torn, and that there aren’t openings around doors that will allow mosquitoes inside your home.

Check around your house and your property for potential mosquito breeding sites. Look for standing water, which is where they lay their eggs. Old tires, bird feeders, buckets, cans, old swimming pools, and other items that hold water can provide a hatching area for mosquito eggs. Also, check the gutters on your home to be sure they are draining correctly. Remember: Mosquitoes don’t live long and they don’t travel far. If you notice them around your home they’ve probably hatched somewhere nearby.

Most people who are infected with Zika show no symptoms at all, or very mild ones. However, you’re pregnant, consider travel needs carefully and educate yourself if you really must travel to infected areas. Zika appears able to spread sexually as well, so if you’re a male and your wife or girlfriend is pregnant, you too may want to reconsider travel into affected areas.

We’ll share more information as the weather warms. In addition to our website (rosscountyhealth.com) we are on Facebook, so give us a “Like.” You can also find up-to-date travel information on the CDC’s Zika page at www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.

Rami Yoakum, a former Gazette reporter, is the director of communications at the Ross County Health District.